Whether you’re an individual, charity, or corporate team, we’d love to help you plan your own bespoke challenge.
Email us at info@outonthedowns.co.uk and our team will be in touch to support your journey.
About This Challenge
Take on one of the UK’s most iconic endurance adventures by summiting the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)) in a single continuous effort. This challenge is a true test of stamina, determination, and teamwork.
Challenge Format
Typically, the journey begins with travel to Fort William on Friday, followed by the ascent of Ben Nevis on Saturday morning. The group then tackles Scafell Pike overnight, and finishes with Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) in Wales on Sunday.
This is a demanding event, and participants should be prepared for minimal rest and sustained physical effort. For those aiming to complete the challenge within 24 hours, target times are:
- Ben Nevis: approx. 5½ hours
- Scafell Pike: approx. 4½ hours
- Snowdon: approx. 4 hours
The total time includes a fixed 10-hour drive time, which is standard for measuring completion.
Support & Experience
Our team includes qualified Mountain Leaders and a dedicated driver, providing expert guidance and logistical support throughout your challenge. We’re committed to helping you complete the event safely and efficiently, with a focus on preparation, pacing, and encouragement from start to finish.
With years of experience delivering this challenge, we’ve supported thousands of participants in reaching their goals. Whether you’re aiming for a fast-paced adventure or a more measured approach, we’ll work with you to create a package that suits your group’s needs. We’re happy to discuss bespoke variations and provide advice on the best way to structure your experience, ensuring it aligns with your goals, ability levels, and schedule.
Route Options & Leader Insight
While the traditional route runs North to South, we also offer a South to North variation, which many find logistically smoother and more rewarding. As a leader, I personally favour this approach, it often allows for a more efficient start and a stronger finish, especially for groups focused on performance and pacing.
We’re happy to discuss bespoke options, including extended itineraries for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Whether you’re aiming for the 24-hour benchmark or looking for a multi-day experience, we’ll tailor the challenge to suit your group.
Booking & Availability
Pricing and availability for exclusive group events may vary depending on seasonal demand. We recommend booking early to secure your preferred dates and the best rates. For bespoke quotes or to discuss your plans, feel free to get in touch with our team. TYPICAL GROUP SIZE is 12-14 participants.
At OUT ON THE DOWNS, we recognise the impact that fast-paced National 3 Peaks challenges can have on the areas we pass through.
That’s why we encourage our groups to book an additional night’s accommodation in Snowdonia, giving participants a chance to rest, reflect, and support the local tourism economy.
We believe that adventure should go hand-in-hand with respect for the communities and landscapes that make these challenges possible.
How To Fund Your Challenge
This section outlines the cost of the challenge and the fundraising options available to participants.
Self-Funded
An Initial non-refundable registration fee of £99 paid at sign-up
The remaining balance of £450 is split into three instalments
Raise, Raise Raise…
Try and raise as much money as possible for your chosen charity
Minimum Sponsorship
An Initial non-refundable registration fee of £99 paid at sign-up
Then commit to raising a minimum of £1000 for your chosen Charity.
Self-Funded Payment Plan
Total Cost: £549 per person
Registration Fee: £99 – Paid at sign-up
Remaining balance: £450, split into three instalments:
- Payment 1: £150 – Due 12 weeks before the event
- Payment 2: £150 – Due 6 weeks before the event
- Payment 3: £150 – Due 1 week before the event
This structure allows participants to spread the cost over time while keeping the upfront commitment low. It also ensures all payments are completed well in advance of the challenge date.
Minimum Sponsorship Option
Participants choosing the minimum sponsorship route will be required to pay a non-refundable registration fee of £99 at the time of booking and commit to raising a minimum of £1000 for Charity Name.
Participants should send their sponsorship money directly to your chosen charity as they raise it. To ensure the event can go ahead smoothly, we ask that:
- At least 80% of the minimum sponsorship (£800) is sent to your charity no later than 12 weeks before the event
- The remaining 20% (£200) is sent within 6 weeks after completing the challenge
Once the required sponsorship has been raised, Charity Name will then cover the remaining event costs (which will not exceed 49% of the minimum fundraising target). The charity benefits by retaining the remaining sponsorship funds, plus every pound raised above the minimum.
Alternatively, if participants are fundraising via JustGiving, Charity Name can track donations directly through their charity portal, ensuring transparency and ease of monitoring.
Essential Information for Your Challenge
This section provides key details to help you prepare for your adventure. From logistics and kit lists to support and safety, we’ve gathered everything you’ll need to feel confident and ready for the journey ahead.
What's Included
Before You Go
- Fitness plans and training guidance emailed directly to participants
- Warm-up and mobility routines to help you prepare for the challenge
- Optional kit and preparation advice to ensure you’re ready
- Support via email for any pre-event questions
- Travel arrangements to and from the challenge start/finish point
On Your Challenge
- Qualified Mountain Leaders guiding you throughout the event
- Dedicated support vehicle for logistics, participant support, and rapid response if needed
- Experienced, first-aid qualified staff (2:14 staff-to-participant ratio)
- Safety briefings at the start and during the event
- Accommodation during the challenge (as specified in your package)
- Drinking water and snacks provided on challenge days
What's Not Included
Before You Go
- Personal clothing and equipment (as listed on your Kit List)
- Optional accommodation before or after the challenge
- Personal medical or accident insurance
- Flights or train fares to and from the designated pick-up and drop-off locations
- Personal travel to your chosen pick-up point (Birmingham Airport, Chester Train Station, or Glasgow Airport)
- Return travel from your chosen drop-off point (Chester Train Station or Birmingham Airport ONLY)
On Your Challenge
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Personal spending money
- Any additional items listed in your Trip Notes
Note:
There is no formal medical cover or personal accident insurance provided for participants. All participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to participate. We strongly recommend arranging your own personal accident or travel insurance.
Fitness Plans & Preparation
Once you have registered for your challenge, you will receive a selection of suggested fitness plans and preparation ideas to help you get ready. These resources are designed to support participants of all abilities and ensure you feel confident and prepared for the event.
What to Expect:
- The challenge involves early starts, long days, and sustained periods of ascent and descent. Training on similar terrain in the UK is highly recommended.
- To give yourself the best chance of success, aim to start training at least 4–6 months before your challenge. Build up gradually to walking the distances and ascents you’ll face on the event.
- Try to maintain a pace of around 4km per hour in your training, as this is the general pace required to complete each section within the challenge timeframes.
- Structure your training to include back-to-back days of activity, so you’re comfortable exercising again after only a short rest.
- Focus on walking in environments similar to your challenge—hills, mountains, or coastal paths—and include both ascents and descents to build strength and endurance.
- Use your training to test out your kit, including boots, socks, backpack (with at least 2 litres of water), and waterproofs. This helps prevent issues like blisters or leaky gear on the day.
- If your challenge includes night sections, practice walking with a headtorch on familiar routes to get used to reduced visibility.
- Nutrition is key: fuel up with a balanced diet, and test the snacks you plan to use during the challenge to see what works best for you.
- Walking poles can help reduce strain on your knees—practice with them in advance and make sure they’re set up correctly.
Support Provided:
- Tailored fitness plans and warm-up routines
- Advice on kit and preparation
- Email support for any training or preparation questions
Remember:
Preparation is the key to enjoying your challenge and achieving your goals. We’re here to support you every step of the way—please get in touch if you have any questions about training or kit.
Transport
Transport
We aim to make travel as smooth and accessible as possible for all participants, with carefully planned logistics throughout the challenge.
Pick-Up Options (Before the Challenge):
- Birmingham Airport
- Chester Train Station
- Glasgow Airport (optional stop en route)
Drop-Off Options (After the Challenge):
- Chester Train Station
- Birmingham Airport
All minibus transport during the challenge is included in both the Standard and Premium Packages. However, flights or train fares to and from the pick-up/drop-off points are not included.
Our support vehicles and drivers will accompany the group throughout the event, ensuring safe and efficient travel between each peak. Participants are encouraged to rest and sleep during transit to maximise recovery time between climbs.
Accommodation
Accommodation
Standard Package:
- Includes accommodation for the Friday night before the challenge begins (typically in a bunkhouse or hotel near Ben Nevis)
- Accommodation is in shared rooms or dormitories
- Participants rest and sleep in the support vehicle during travel between peaks
Premium Package:
- Includes all accommodation from Friday through Sunday night, with an additional hotel stay on Sunday before drop-off on Monday
- Accommodation is typically a mix of bunkhouses and hotels near each peak, selected to reduce travel time and maximise rest
- All meals are included during the challenge
Responsible Travel Recommendation:
At OUT ON THE DOWNS, we recognise the impact that fast-paced National 3 Peaks challenges can have on the areas we pass through. We encourage participants to consider booking an additional night’s stay in Snowdonia after the challenge. This not only helps reduce travel fatigue and supports recovery, but also contributes to the local tourism economy and gives you time to reflect on your achievement in a beautiful setting.
Accommodation venues are selected for comfort and convenience, and final details will be confirmed upon booking.
Itinary
Friday – Arrival & Briefing
- 11:00am – Pick-up from Birmingham Airport
- Midday – Optional pick-up from Chester Train Station
- Afternoon – Direct travel to Fort William (unless Glasgow Airport pick-up is selected)
- Evening – Check-in to accommodation near Ben Nevis
- 8:00pm – Welcome briefing and kit check
Please note: onward travel times are affected by pick-up locations. Groups selecting Glasgow Airport may have a slightly adjusted schedule.
Sunday – Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) & Return
- 5:30am – Arrival at Pen y Pass
- 6:00am–11:30am – Ascent and descent of Snowdon via Pyg Track and Llanberis Path
(All groups must leave Llanberis by 12:00pm) - Afternoon – Return transport to Chester Train Station or Birmingham Airport
Challenge Format Options
We aim to complete the National 3 Peaks Challenge within a 24-hour time limit, and specific timings for each peak are carefully planned to maximise travel efficiency and group safety.
However, we understand that not all groups may wish to follow this format. We can offer a tailored charity route that removes the 24-hour requirement, allowing for a more relaxed pace and additional rest. In some cases, we may split groups to allow those who wish to complete all three peaks the opportunity to do so, while others follow a more flexible itinerary.
Saturday – Ben Nevis & Scafell Pike
- 5:30am – Breakfast and departure for Ben Nevis
- 6:00am–12:30pm – Ascent and descent of Ben Nevis
(All groups must leave Glen Nevis by 1:00pm) - Afternoon–Evening – Travel to Wasdale Head, Lake District
- 7:00pm–11:30pm – Ascent of Scafell Pike
(All groups must leave Wasdale Head by midnight) - Late Night – Overnight travel to Snowdonia
Insurance
We strongly recommend that all participants take out personal insurance and travel insurance to cover potential injuries, loss of personal belongings, or event cancellations. While medical emergencies in the UK are covered by the NHS, having your own insurance ensures you are protected against unforeseen circumstances, including cancellation or curtailment of your trip.
Please review our cancellation policy in the terms and conditions section of our website, and consider obtaining a policy that specifically covers travel cancellations within the UK.
After You Book
Once you have booked your challenge, here’s what you can expect next:
- Booking Confirmation: Once you have booked your challenge, you will receive an automated confirmation email with the details of your booking.
- Payment Receipt: A receipt for your payment will be sent to your email address.
- Next Steps: We will contact you by email with further information about your challenge, including a participant consent form, kit list, and suggested fitness plans.
- Personal Call: After booking, a member of our team will contact you to discuss the challenge, answer any questions, and help you prepare.
- Ongoing Communication: All further updates and important information will be sent to you via email. Please ensure you check your inbox (and junk folder) regularly.
- Questions: If you have any questions or need support at any stage, you can contact us directly by email.
As we develop our booking system, we aim to make this process even smoother and more automated in the future.